Legislation News | The Humane Society of the United States

	Legislation News

Press Releases

Opponents of Prop 2 Charged with Laundering Money in Violation of State Campaign Finance Laws

September 3, 2008

Donors Could Face Fines and Criminal Prosecution for Concealing Out-of-State Agribusiness Money from Voters YES! on Prop 2 - Californians for Humane Farms, the proponents of an anti-cruelty ballot initiative that will phase out particularly inhumane farm animal confinement practices, has uncovered an election scam ... full article

Louisiana Bans Cockfighting

August 15, 2008

Attorney General and The HSUS Announce Animal Fighting Reward Program On the historic day that Louisiana becomes the 50th state with a cockfighting ban, state Attorney General James D. "Buddy" Caldwell and The Humane Society of the United States today announced that cockfighting and dogfighting will not b... full article

Federal Officials Sued For Misappropriating Millions of Dollars to Illegally Campaign Against California Anti-Cruelty Initiative

August 13, 2008

Yes on Prop 2 - Californians for Humane Farms, the proponents of an anti-cruelty ballot initiative that will provide basic protections to California farm animals, filed a lawsuit yesterday in federal district court against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the American Egg Board (AEB) over the unlawful e... full article

The HSUS and HSLF Applaud NY Bill to Protect Human and Animal Welfare

August 8, 2008

Live Poultry Markets in New York City Have Spurred Concerns about Inhumane Slaughter, Avian Flu and Air Quality ALBANY, N.Y. — The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society Legislative Fund commend New York Gov. David A. Paterson for signing bipartisan legislation that will protect public h... full article

The HSUS Urges Missouri to Prohibit Tigers As Pets

August 5, 2008

Two Incidents in Two Days Demonstrate Risks of Keeping Exotic Animals In light of two people being seriously injured by tigers in Missouri this week, The Humane Society of the United States urges state lawmakers to prohibit private possession of tigers and other dangerous wild animals. On Sunday, a tiger jumped ove... full article

The HSUS Presents D.C. Councilmember Mary Cheh with Humane Legislator Award

August 4, 2008

Nation's Largest Animal Protection Organization Bestows Honor Today at Washington Humane Society WASHINGTON — The Humane Society of the United States today presented D.C. Councilmember Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3) with its Humane Legislator award in recognition of the D.C. Council's recent approval ... full article

The HSUS Applauds Introduction of Federal Bill Requiring Animal Cruelty Crime Tracking

July 31, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society Legislative Fund applaud U.S. Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, and Rep. Elton Gallegly, R-Calif., for introducing The Animal Cruelty Statistics Act of 2008. The bill requires the Department of Justice to collect and incl... full article

Statement of The HSUS on Chicago Spay/Neuter Ordinance

July 30, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States, the nation's largest animal protection organization, supports Aldermen Edward Burke and Virginia Rugai's ordinance to provide incentives for spaying and neutering dogs and cats, and thanks Chicago lawmakers for addressing this important animal welfare issue. Every year,... full article

New York Takes a Bite Out of Dogfighting

July 29, 2008

Additional Steps Are Needed to Crack Down on Dogfighting Spectators The Humane Society of the United States commends the New York legislature and governor for passing a new law that will help law enforcement crack down on dogfighting. Law enforcement agencies in the Empire State will now be able to prosecute specta... full article

The HSUS Urges Massachusetts Senate to Pass Ban on ‘Renting’ Pets

July 28, 2008

Statewide Ban Will Complement Recent Ordinance Unanimously Approved By Boston City Council The Humane Society of the United States commends the Massachusetts House of Representatives for approving a bill to ban "pet rentals." The HSUS says that while businesses that rent dogs may be well intentioned, they're unlike... full article

Congress Addressing Horse Slaughter Cruelty in New Federal Legislation

July 25, 2008

A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers has introduced legislation to ban the slaughter of American horses for human consumption overseas, as well as the export of American horses to other countries for slaughter. House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-Mich.) and Rep. Dan Burton (R-Ind.) introduced the bill,... full article

D.C. Council Passes Animal Welfare Measure That Strengthens District’s Animal Cruelty and Fighting Laws

July 16, 2008

Measure Includes Various Animal Welfare Provisions, Including Tougher Penalties for Attending an Animal Fight in the Nation's Capital WASHINGTON — The Humane Society of the United States applauds the D.C. Council for passing a comprehensive bill upgrading the District's animal care and control laws, includin... full article

The HSUS and HSI Applaud U.S. House of Representatives for Protecting Sharks from Finning

July 8, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States and its global affiliate Humane Society International applaud the U.S. House of Representatives for its decision today to increase protection for sharks, one of the most vulnerable groups of species in the ocean. The Shark Conservation Act (H.R. 5741) makes it illegal to remo... full article

Animal Fur Must Be Declared On Label Under New Delaware Consumer Protection Law

July 3, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States applauds the Delaware General Assembly and Gov. Ruth Ann Minner for signing into law today legislation requiring all garments made with animal fur to say so on the label, closing a loophole. The measure, H.B. 216, sponsored by Rep. Melanie George Marshall (D-5) and Sen. Margar... full article

California Democratic Party, U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein Endorse State Anti-Cruelty Ballot Measure

June 18, 2008

The California Democratic Party (CDP) and U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein this weekend endorsed an anti-cruelty ballot initiative that will appear on November's ballot, joining a snowballing list of endorsers across the state. In a landslide vote, the CDP endorsed the YES vote on the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelt... full article

The HSUS Calls for Nationwide Ban on Lead Shot after Endangered Condor Poisonings

June 5, 2008

WASHINGTON — The Humane Society of the United States today urged a nationwide ban on lead-shot ammunition after the lead poisoning of seven critically endangered California condors. One of the seven birds has died, vivid evidence that this ammo keeps on killing long after it leaves the gun barrel. ... full article

Ohio House Passes Bill Cracking Down on Animal Fighting

May 29, 2008

H.B.415 Overwhelmingly Passes 92-1 The Humane Society of the United States praised Ohio's House of Representatives for overwhelmingly passing a bill today to strengthen the state's animal fighting laws by a vote of 92-1. The HSUS now calls on the Senate to quickly pass this important anti-crime and anti-cruelty bill.... full article

Man’s Best Friend has Friends in Louisiana Legislature

May 22, 2008

Bills Establishing Dogfighting Felony Spectator Penalties Approved by Both Chambers; Bill Limiting the Number of Dogs in Puppy Mills Passed by House and Now Moves to Senate BATON ROUGE, La. — Lawmakers in the state Senate and House sent a clear message this week that dogs are a part of Louisiana families by ... full article

Californians for Humane Farms Calls Economic Study Classic Bait and Switch – Californians Can Afford to Treat Animals Humanely

May 22, 2008

Egg industry groups representing factory farms currently reaping historic profits are misleading the public about the California Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act and making wild claims about egg prices. It’s a classic bait-and-switch – by alarming voters with pocketbook issues, they’re attempt... full article

New York State Senate Committee Approves Ban on Downed Cattle

May 20, 2008

Action Happens on Same Day that USDA Announces Plans to Close Federal Downer Loophole ALBANY, N.Y. — The Humane Society of the United States, the nation's largest animal protection organization with almost 800,000 supporters in the Empire State, applauds the New York State Senate Consumer Protection Committee... full article

New Jersey Lawmakers Advance Bill to Prevent Antifreeze Poisoning

May 20, 2008

TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Assembly has approved a bill that will save countless animal lives and reduce the number of childhood emergencies with the passage today of A. 1577 by an overwhelming vote of 80-0. The bill, which requires an aversive agent be added to antifreeze products, was championed b... full article

Assembly Unanimously Approves Bill Strengthening California’s Protection for Crippled Cows

May 16, 2008

SACRAMENTO — In the wake of an investigation by The Humane Society of the United States of the Hallmark/Westland Meat Company in Chino, California lawmakers approved legislation to strengthen the state’s food safety and humane slaughter laws. A.B. 2098, introduced by Assemblymember Paul Krekor... full article

The HSUS Presents Indiana Representative Linda Lawson with Humane Legislator Award

May 16, 2008

Award Fittingly Presented at Animal Shelter in Lawson's District The Humane Society of the United States, the nation's largest animal protection organization with more than 10 million supporters including more than 169,000 in the Hoosier State, presented Rep. Linda Lawson (D-1) with its Humane State Legislato... full article

Federal Government Documents Show Illegal American Egg Board Interference with California Anti-Cruelty Ballot Initiative

May 15, 2008

Government documents recently obtained by The Humane Society of the United States reveal that the American Egg Board (AEB) is involved in an illegal scheme to divert $3 million of federal legislative check-off funds to lobby voters against an anti-cruelty ballot initiative that will provide basic protections to Cali... full article

Ohio Committee Passes Bill to Crack Down on Animal Fighting

May 14, 2008

H.B. 415 Approved Unanimously by House Criminal Justice Committee The Humane Society of the United States praised Ohio's House Criminal Justice Committee for passing a bill to strengthen the state's animal fighting laws by a unanimous vote. H.B. 415 would raise cockfighting from a misdemeanor to a class 4 felony (... full article

Polar Bear Listed as Threatened Species; Trophy Hunting Imports Must Stop Immediately

May 14, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States praises the decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to list the polar bear as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and especially its recognition of the need to stop the import of hundreds of sport-hunted polar bear trophies from Canada. "We are gra... full article

Pennsylvania Legislators Combat Cruel Puppy Mills

May 14, 2008

Governor Backs Package of Bills to Protect Pennsylvania's Puppies The Humane Society of the United States applauds legislators for taking a strong stand against abuses at Pennsylvania's puppy mills. Two bills introduced yesterday by State Reps. James E. Casorio Jr., D-Westmoreland, and Thomas R. Caltagirone, D-Berk... full article

Final Farm Bill Includes Key Animal Protection Provisions

May 8, 2008

Lawmakers to Crack Down on Animal Fighting and Puppy Imports, but Miss Opportunity to Protect Stolen Pets from Research The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society Legislative Fund commend House-Senate negotiators on inclusion of key provisions to help animals, as part of the Farm Bill confere... full article

Oklahoma Unplugs Internet Hunting

May 6, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States, the nation's largest animal protection organization, today praised Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry for taking an important step to end "Internet hunting," an appalling form of trophy hunting opposed by sportsmen and animal welfare advocates alike. Gov. Henry signed Senate... full article

The HSUS Applauds Introduction of Lautenberg Bill to Stop Trophy Shooting of Captive Animals

April 24, 2008

U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., today introduced the Sportsmanship in Hunting Act of 2008, which would crack down on the inhumane and unsportsmanlike practice of shooting tame, exotic animals trapped behind fences. The bill would prohibit the interstate commerce in exotic (non-native) mammals for the pur... full article

Bill to Protect Man’s Best Friend Becomes Law

April 23, 2008

Virginia First in Nation to Limit the Number of Dogs Held in Abusive Puppy Mills RICHMOND, Va. — In the aftermath of an investigation by The Humane Society of the United States into the Commonwealth's puppy mill industry, Virginia became the first state in the nation to limit the size of puppy mills by makin... full article

Delaware House Ag Committee Holds Hearing on One of Factory Farming’s Worst Abuses

April 23, 2008

DOVER, Del. — Delaware's House Agriculture Committee is holding a hearing today on a measure prohibiting one of the most abusive practices in factory farming: confining egg-laying hens in tiny battery cages so small the birds can't spread their wings. The bill, H.B. 95, would provide the most basic protectio... full article

HSUS President Testifies at Congressional Hearing on Food Safety and Humane Handling Compliance by Meat Industry

April 17, 2008

WASHINGTON − Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, testifies before a U.S. House Subcommittee today in the latest of a series of Congressional hearings resulting from his organization's undercover investigation of the Hallmark/Westland Meat Packing Company. Chaired... full article

Florida Senate Committee Advances Legislation Banning the Sexual Abuse of Animals

April 16, 2008

The HSUS Urges Florida House to Pass Companion Bill The Humane Society of the United States commends the Florida Senate Criminal Justice Committee for advancing a bill today that would outlaw the sexual abuse of animals. Florida S.B. 744, sponsored by Sen. Nan Rich, D-Weston, would prohibit a person from knowingly... full article

California Legislators Consider Bills to Crack Down on Dogfighting

April 14, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States Urges Lawmakers to Pass A.B. 2281 and S.B. 1775 The Humane Society of the United States is calling on California state lawmakers to swiftly pass a pair of bills that will crack down on the cruel underworld of illegal dogfighting. The nation's largest animal welfare organizati... full article

Ohio Legislators Consider Bill to Strengthen Animal Fighting Laws

April 10, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States Testifies in Support of H.B. 415 At an Ohio House of Representatives Criminal Justice Committee hearing held today, The Humane Society of the United States testified in favor of a bill to increase the penalties for animal fighting. H.B. 415 would raise dogfighting from a clas... full article

Tennessee Senate and House Judiciary Committees Vote to Make Cockfighting a Felony

April 9, 2008

The HSUS Urges House and Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committees to Pass S.B. 1734 and H.B. 2143 The Humane Society of the United States applauds the Tennessee Senate and House Judiciary Committees for passing bills that will make cockfighting a felony in the Volunteer State. The House Judiciary Committee passed ... full article

Animal Cruelty Signing Ceremony Caps Off Successful Utah Legislative Session for Animals

April 9, 2008

Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. held a signing ceremony on Tuesday for legislation that makes egregious acts of cruelty to pets a felony, capping off a successful legislative session for animals. The Utah legislature adjourned on March 5. "By signing this bill into law, Governor Huntsman recognized animal cruelty ... full article

Mississippi Passes Law to Combat Hog-Dog Fighting

April 3, 2008

The HSUS Praises Miss. Governor for Signing Bill Into Law The Humane Society of the United States applauds Mississippi lawmakers for a law outlawing hog-dog fighting. Governor Haley Barbour signed the law, which passed the state legislature with strong bipartisan support on Monday. This lesser-known variant of... full article

West Virginia Cockfighting Raid Highlights Need for Stronger Penalties

April 2, 2008

In the wake of this weekend's cockfighting raid in McDowell County, W. Va., which resulted in nearly 50 people facing misdemeanor charges, The Humane Society of the United States urges West Virginia legislators to increase the penalties for cockfighting during the next legislative session. This is the second time in... full article

Animal Welfare Groups Urge Iowa Lawmakers to Crack Down on Dogfighting

April 1, 2008

In the final weeks of the Iowa state legislative session, the Animal Rescue League of Iowa and The Humane Society of the United States are calling on lawmakers to upgrade the state's laws to combat dogfighting. Legislation to increase the penalties for being a spectator at a dogfight — S.F. 2203 by Sen. Joe Se... full article

Georgia Senate Unanimously Passes Dogfighting Legislation

March 28, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States Urges Governor to Sign Animal Fighting Bill into Law ATLANTA — The Humane Society of the United States applauds the Georgia State Senate for unanimously passing a bill strengthening the state's dogfighting law. On behalf of its 175,000 supporters in Georgia, the organiz... full article

Utah Unplugs Internet Hunting

March 18, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States, the nation's largest animal protection organization, today praised Utah Governor Jon Huntsman Jr. for taking an important step to end "Internet hunting," an appalling form of trophy hunting opposed by sportsmen and animal welfare advocates alike. The HSUS also praised Th... full article

Oregon Governor Signs Bill Increasing Dogfighting Spectator Penalties

March 14, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States applauds Governor Ted Kulongoski for signing a bill that strengthens Oregon's dogfighting law. S.B. 1072, sponsored by Senate President Peter Courtney, D-Salem, makes knowingly attending a dogfight or possessing dogfighting paraphernalia in Oregon Class C felonies. Penalties f... full article

Congress Urged to Pass Bills to Keep Downers Out of Food Supply; Increase Penalties for Inhumane Treatment

March 13, 2008

Congress should move swiftly to pass legislation to ban the slaughter of downer animals for human consumption, and to establish more meaningful penalties for violations of a comprehensive downer ban and humane slaughter laws. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) introduced the legislation today in the wake of the sca... full article

Idaho Lawmakers Advance Bill to Crack Down on Wildlife Violations

March 12, 2008

Idaho lawmakers have approved a measure that will give wildlife law enforcement additional tools to crack down on poaching violations. House Bill 473 increases penalties for hunting guides operating without a license and makes it a misdemeanor for an individual to knowingly purchase services from an outfitter or gui... full article

The HSUS Applauds Utah Legislature For Cracking Down on Animal Cruelty, Urges Governor to Sign Felony Animal Cruelty Bill Into Law

March 4, 2008

The Humane Society of the United States commends the Utah legislature for passing a bill today that would make egregious acts of cruelty to a companion animal a felony. The organization urges Gov. Jon Huntsman, Jr. to sign the bill into law. S.B. 297, sponsored by Utah Sen. Allen Christensen, R-19, is the resu... full article

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